KALAMAZOO — The Rick McKeel era for Niles softball finally got started Tuesday.

The Vikings split with host Kalamazoo Loy Norrix in SMAC non-divisional action.

The Knights won the opener 8-5, but Niles rallied to win the nightcap 13-5 in a game stopped after five innings due to darkness.

Tegan Bays took the loss for the Vikings (1-1) in the opener in relief of starter Michelle Crough.

Megan McKeel had a double for Niles.

In the nightcap, Addison Davies went the distance to earn the victory.

Bays triples, while Holly Walker doubled for the Vikings.

 

NILES 5-13, LOY NORRIX 8-5

First Game

Niles                100     003     1 – 5 6 0

Loy Norrix      110     411     x – 8 11 2

Michelle Crouch, Tegan Bays (5, L); Blinkiewicz (W)

2B: Megan McKeel (N), Blinkiewicz (LN)

 

Second Game

Niles                352     3 – 13 8 1

Loy Norrix      103     1 – 5 8 5

Addison Davies (W); Blinkiewicz (L)

2B: Holly Walker (N)

3B: Tegan Bays (N), Blinkiewicz (LN)

Varsity record: Niles 1-1